Monday, September 21, 2009

the emmy awards 2009: my fair lady

I didn't actually watch the Emmys last night (a shame, since I'm sure Neil Patrick Harris was a fantastic host), but I've been spending this morning diligently digesting the evening's red carpet fashion. Although not many major risks were taken, there was certainly a plethora of stunning gowns on the red carpet. Since there were so many looks that I appreciated, I've decided to cover the Emmys in three posts. Welcome to post number one, in which I heavily praise the pale gowns that brought a sense of light and wonder to the red carpet.

Mad Men actress January Jones was my Best Dressed of the evening in this futuristic Versace gown.The structure of the bodice is architectural and contemporary, but the color lends the look a soft romantic feel. January Jones has become one of my red carpet favorites over the past two years. She might start giving Diane Kruger a run for her money.

I haven't watched House in ages, but Olivia Wilde's red carpet choices have put her on my radar (also, when she dated Marissa on The OC!). This Marchesa confection could easily drown such a tiny frame, but Wilde wears the dress with such confidence and excellent posture that the effect is graceful and effortless.

Gossip Girl Leighton Meester takes a lot of fashion risks, and this white Bottega Veneta gown is no exception. I love the gown's knotted shoulders and layered skirt, and the bold statement lip keeps the look from veering into bridal territory.

I'm fairly certain that Sandra Oh could just wrap herself in tin foil and cellophane and still look fantastic. Her skin is radiant, her hair is soft, and she has excellent posture. This Marchesa dress makes the most of all of her attributes, and though you can't tell from a still photograph, if you find a video of her walking down the red carpet, you can really appreciate how the dress shimmers and shines as she moves.

Rose Byrne often looks slightly ethereal on the red carpet, and this Valentino dress takes that quality to a new level. I've seen a few posts that only focus on how washed out she looks, but I actually love the fair combination of her skin and the dress.

Drew Barrymore wore pale pink Monique Lhuillier. The details of the skirt really catch the light. It's a gorgeous effect and a perfect choice for the time of day.

Kate Walsh's fashion choices are usually pretty hit and miss for me. She's got great hair, beautiful skin, and a killer body, but sometimes she'll show up at an event in a look that's squandered all of that (she's like Sandra Oh's opposite). This time around, she hit the nail on the head with J. Mendel. The strapless bodice shows off her gorgeous shoulders (seriously, she should wear this cut all the time), and the pale shade doesn't wash out her complexion. She looks like a goddess in this gown.

Leave it to Chloe Sevigny to take an Isaac Mizrahi dress and make it feel like an avant garde choice. I know messy hair is sort of her signature, but I would've loved to see a cleaner hairstyle. That said, the poppy red lipstick is a great styling choice.

1 comment:

Marcos E. Dávalos said...

I agree with you about January Jones's dress. It was so chic and elegant. I also loved Heidi's huge bump (damn that woman is fertile) and Drew Barrymore finally cleaned up from a couple of recent fashion mistakes. I do not however agree with you on Leighton Meester's dress. The knots were horrendous and the silhouette was quite ordinary. I also thought the pulled up hair and the bright red lip made her look old.

I love your fashion insights! I think you should also do a worst dressed (just cause it's fun talking about beautiful people in bad clothes) like that crazy Obama dress one actress wore.